Excellence
in education is the focus of parents, teachers, administrators, businesses,
and economic development leaders in the Danville area community. The quality
of education, both academic and technical, is vital to the growth of the
community and surrounding areas. It is the mission of Danville District
#118 and the county's other 11 districts to provide equal opportunities
for all learners as they develop intellectually, socially, vocationally,
creatively, and physically in preparation for their adult life and lifelong
learning.

More
than 6,000 Danville students are enrolled throughout twelve student-attendance
centers comprising of nine elementary buildings, two middle schools, and
one comprehensive high school. The District boasts of a lower student:teacher
ratio than the State average. The Illinois Learning Standards provide
a basis for curriculum throughout each grade level and the District meets
or exceeds curriculum recommendations from the State Board of Education.
For example, Danville High School's comprehensive instructional programs
require students to meet higher graduation requirements than those recommended
by the State.

Elementary
and middle school students focus on reading, writing, mathematics, science,
and social science while they enjoy a rounded curriculum that includes
Spanish, computer literacy, art, music, and career awareness. Middle school
students participate in a number of interscholastic activities including
athletics, music, and academic competition. Course selections at DHS include
Advanced Placement classes and Dual Enrollment classes that allow students
to earn college credit while in high school.

Technology
is embraced at every level in the district and throughout the county.
As students' individual technical savvy grows, technical programs grow
as well, i.e., offering CISCO networking systems training at the high
school level. Computers with Internet access are available in many classrooms
and administrative services utilize a District-wide student management
system.

Several
local private schools offer an excellent curriculum combined with character
building, and personal development spiritually and socially, in a Christian
atmosphere. Schlarman High School, St. Paul's, Holy Family and St. Mary's
elementary schools provide a fine college preparatory education from pre-school
through 12th grade. The schools also feature a state-of-the-art technology
lab with Internet access and multimedia capabilities, and a variety of
extracurricular activities including sports, drama and yearbook.

Schlarman
High School concentrates on preparing its students for college, while
providing them with spiritual, emotional and leadership development. Each
of the grades averages about 50 students, with the hopes of growing that
enrollment. The school does require a dress code, has a drug testing policy
and requires community service to graduate.

The
First Baptist Christian School teaches academics based on the Bible and
Christianity for nursery school through the 12th grade. Danville Lutheran
Schools also offer a Christian-based curriculum at two locations for students
in kindergarten through 8th grade.

The
Danville Christian Academy, a ministry of the First Assembly of God, teaches
students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is divided into
three levels, where students work at their own pace with a special individualized
learning program.

Advanced
Degree Completion is also offered through DACC. DACC partners with upper-division
colleges and universities to bring bachelor's and master's degree programs
to the community. Partnerships currently exist with Franklin University,
Eastern Illinois University, and Southern Illinois University - Carbondale.